The incorporated towns of Christiansburg and Blacksburg are governed by elected town councils and mayors. Both have a town manager who administers fiscal responsibilities. Council meetings are public and are held on Tuesdays (Christiansburg, first and third; Blacksburg, second and fourth).

The county supports an excellent public school system for county and town residents. School board members from each district are elected for four-year terms, and a superintendent and staff oversee operations and curriculum for approximately 9,600 students in the 20 elementary, middle and high schools.